Guidelines for using humor in training are as follows: (1) use a modicum of apt, relevant humor in an informative presentation; (2) self-disparaging humor enhances the presenter's image; (3) humor is only one factor that enhances interest; (4) apt, relevant humor does not affect persuasiveness; and (5) satire has unpredictable results. (SK)

Explores the significance of claims to organizations and businesses, makes a case for integrating and networking communication throughout the organization, describes how the classroom unit on claims can increase student motivation and enthusiasm, and makes a case for improving students' persuasive powers. (Author)

Considers reasons for the lack of interaction between dramatistic studies in rhetoric and argumentation theory. Proposes a rapprochement based on the implementing of contextualist assumptions in a critical argumentation. Traces the implications of Kenneth Burke's contextualist and dramatistic viewpoint for the study of argument. (NH)

Applies prevailing conceptions of proper argument to Burke's advocacy of the comic frame. Concludes these common conceptions cannot explain the power of Burke's arguments. Examines Richard Rorty's "edifying discourse" and Burke's "perspective by incongruity" as they illuminate the purpose of Burke's argumentation method. (NH)

Sketches forensic activities which predate the American Forensic Association's 50-year history. Notes forensic activities and terminology have changed as cultures, philosophies, and educational practices have changed, and future changes are inevitable. (NH)

Claims the American Forensic Association's (AFA) publications and conferences represent its principal commitment to research. Presents a review of the journals and conferences under AFA sponsorship. Reviews the strong commitment to research on the part of the AFA, particularly as it is manifested in the association's journal and in conferences.…

Argues one increasingly popular move in remaking moral philosophy and rhetorical and argumentation theory, the move to ally reason with emotion, is not without peril. Finds contemporary theories that link emotion to reason to be more promising than the Enlightenment's marginalization of emotion but not an improvement on the Enlightenment. Examines…

Describes how one professor uses a classroom trial (based on Hemingway's short story "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber") to prepare students for writing analytical essays about the story by teaching them to interrogate the text and by helping to cure the weaknesses of text-reticence and dubious deduction. (SR)

States several postmodernist currents of thought have rejected the modernist faith in a stable, autonomous self (and the natural culture it inhabits) as a pernicious fiction. Argues for a dialectical view of self and culture, exploring the weaknesses of both modernist and postmodernist models through an analysis of "Dances with Wolves,"…

A study randomly assigned 165 subjects to 8 advertising scenarios depicting positive and negative outcomes. Results showed that, in some instances, honest advertising claims were hard for consumers to believe. Consumer skepticism may evolve as a defensive response to persuasive advertising attempts. (Contains 51 references.) (JOW)

Argues that Kenneth Burke used "The Interpretation of Dreams," as well as other works by Sigmund Freud, as a lesson on reading, taking over the central tropes of dreamwork and making them broadly dialectical rather than strictly psychoanalytic terms. Suggests that Freud's "tropology" of dreaming is crucial for reading Burke.…

States that changes in the United States Senate evolve slowly and idiosyncratically. Discusses Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania's violation of the Senate's style of rhetorical decorum. Concludes that, while clinging to the customs of the past and slowness of pace that distinguish it from the House of Representatives, the Senate has not escaped the…

Attempts to define critiques by evaluating working taxonomies and examining the basis for critiques in argumentation theory and practice. Establishes a case for "kritiks" (vs. critiques). Reviews major criticisms of theory and practice strategies for debating them. Concludes that this argument genre should not be rejected prematurely.…

Suggests that the valorization of Emerson in English departments has been behind the split between fiction and nonfiction, and between creative writing and composition. Suggests further that the values Emerson places on contemplation versus action degrade argument and persuasion. (TB)

Investigates the impact of format and source on attitudes and behavioral intentions of an audience receiving a corporation's advocacy message. Suggests that news stories may be more effective than ads, and that a CEO (chief executive officer) appears more persuasive than an outside authority because the CEO can generate more interest among the…